Romantic getaways and couples holidays Puglia
Romantic vacations to Salento peninsula, also known as Puglia (pronounced poo-li-ya) will mean you’ll visit the region that has the largest coastline in Italy, so expect plenty of Adriatic Sea views. This two week romantic getaways, staying at Vinilia Wine Resort and Masseria Grieco Country Resort showcased Italy’s produce as Puglia is the birth place of burrata cheese, orecchiette pasta and tiella, the Italian take on Spanish paella. After all of this sampling, we’re now firm fans of a Primitivo red!
Puglia or Apulia as it is also known in English, is located on the coast forming the “heel” of Italy’s boot and includes Salento regions, Lecce and Brindisi and sits between two seas, the Adriatic and Ionian and is probably most famously known for it’s rocky coastal views (think white cliffs against turquoise water). The beaches, food, wine and architecture make Puglia a great option for those who want romance, culture, but have small ones in tow (we had a new born baby). We also went to infamous Ricciolandia featured in the Anthony Bourdain Puglia episode of Parts Unknown.
ROMANTIC GETAWAYS COUPLES HOLIDAYS
Vinilia Wine Resort, Salento AND anthony bourdain apulia
From Bari airport, stop for lunch at Ricciolandia restaurant, on the waterfront in Torre Canne and try the famous sea urchins. Ricciolandia was featured in Anthony Bourdain Puglia episode on his Southern Italy episode for his show “Parts Unknown”. The service was slow, but the experience was very Italian. There are plenty of other options if you’re in a rush!
It’s around 1 hr to Vinilia Wine Resort. Vinilia has a manor house, towers and turrets (dating back to the early 900s), wine cellar and pool. This is the most beautiful romantic setting for a getaway! Most of the places you’ll want to see are around 1-1.5hrs drive from the Vinilia Resort, which became frustrating so we switched to another hotel later in the trip. However, if you don’t have children or even for a few days, Vinilia is a great hotel as the food is fantastic.
Tayga beach, MARUGGIO
Tayga beach is around 20mins from Vinilia Resort and it’s worth heading down to watch the sunset and have an early dinner. Try the fresh fish at Tayga Beach Ristorante.
GRottaglie
Puglia is famous for its spotted pottery and Grottaglie is the home of ceramics. Great place to see the local artists work and pick up some plates (they are probably one of the most commented on thing in my kitchen!)
Alberobello and Polignano a Mare
Alberobello is a small town famous for its “trullo” white washed stone huts with a cone shaped roof. These huts date back to the Middle Ages and were the home for peasant farmers.
It’s a 30min drive up the coast to the fishing village of Polignano a Mare with its white beaches and Roman bridge. Polignano a Mare seemed to be everywhere on instagram in 2019, so expect it to be touristy but there are some good food spots, including Pescaria, famed for its sandwiches.
COASTAL VIEWS Roca Vecchia
The Italian coastline has crystal clear sinkholes especially the Grotta della Poesia (Cave of Poetry). The Grottaglie della Poesia is said to have been the favourite swimming spot of an ancient princess who inspired local poets. Along this rocky coast you’ll find a few places to stop off and take a dip in the sea, caves and sinkholes. We switched to the Masseria Grieco Country Resort, which was brilliant as it was great location wise and everyone loved our baby!
ROMANTIC STROLLS AROUND Lecce
Lecce is a small historical town with its most common attraction being the central Piazza del Duomo and it’s Basilica di Santa Croce. It’s a pretty town to take a romantic walk and you definitely feel like youre in Italy as you see the history everywhere. Lots of options for food but I highly recommend grabbing some pizza (delicious) and sitting on a bench and watching the world go by!
Monopoli
With its blue boats at Porta Vecchia, Monopoli has a Venice vibe about it and if you visited the popular romantic getaways location of Polignano a Mare, you’ll find Monopoli a larger town with a similar vibe. It feels less touristy, perhaps due to the fewer number of beaches. We ate at Spaghetti Di Italia, where the staff might not speak English fluently so have Google translate at the ready or just pick a few things off the board and hope for the best! It’s always full of locals, so you know you’re on to a good thing.
OSTUNI
Another beautiful city known as the “White City” due to its white washed buildings. It’s one of those places where you want to take things slow and just wander around.